Tony Balassone, owner of Calico Restaurant in Rhinebeck, will attempt to set a world record for most holes in 12 hours using a golf cart in order to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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Tony Balassone, held a “golf marathon” fundraiser last year, walking over 27 miles while shooting 90 holes of golf. This year he’s planing on less walking and shooting more holes.
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RHINEBECK >> Four hundred and seventy six holes of golf in a single day.

That’s the goal for Tony Balassone, owner of Calico Restaurant, along with his wife Leslie.

Over the 20-year history of the restaurant, the Balassones have done a fundraiser each year. They’ve raised money for Make-A-Wish, multiple sclerosis, and all types of cancer research. In the past they’ve done dinners and charity auctions for the fundraisers, but last year they tried something different.

Leslie, who had done marathons and was doing one as part of the fundraiser, was unable to finish. The donators still decided to give their donations, but Tony decided to make it worth their while anyway.

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He spoke to the Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley, in Hopewell Junction, and was able to get a Monday all to himself. In the course of that day, Balassone completed a golf marathon, walking over 27 miles and shooting 90 holes of golf.

Now he’s planning this year’s fundraiser, and he’s aiming for less walking and more swinging.

For this year’s fundraiser on June 23, Balassone will take a shot at the most holes of golf in a 12-hour period using a cart. Balassone says he contacted the Guinness World Records and found out the number was 476 holes.

Balassone spoke to Eric Trump, son of Donald Trump, about getting access to Trump National again. While speaking with Trump, Balassone also figured out what charity he would be supporting this year — the Eric Trump Foundation and it’s support of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

In a two-hour test run a few weeks ago, Balassone was able to play 90 holes. That kind of day would put him on pace for 450 holes in 12 hours. It’s the goal Balassone is aiming for, but he knows with a little bit of luck and a good day on the course, he could challenge for a world record.

“If I can play well, if I have the stamina for 12 hours, we’ll see,” said Balassone. “Hopefully I’ll play the best golf of my life that day.”

Balassone will have official spotters and witness at the course as he must put the golf ball in the cup on each hole, there are no gimmes. He’ll even have his scorecard with total holes signed, verified and notarized.

The change to the golf walk last year also meant an increase in funds raised.

Last year, the Balassones raised about $28,000. That was about three times as much as they made from their dinners at the restaurant.

Balassone is taking donations on the number of holes he can finish as well as straight donations. Information on donating can be found at the erictrumpfoundation.com.

In addition to the golf marathon, Trump National will also host a fundraising dinner on July 15 as part of the effort. Balassone, a chef himself, will work with the Trump National chef and staff on the dinner.

Balassone said that it was a good opportunity, as Calico Restaurant has space for about 20 people and the Trump National clubhouse can seat 105. Tickets are $125 each and must be purchased from Erin Murray at Trump Nation Hudson Valley.

Contact Murray by email at emurray@trumpnational.com no later than July 11.